Maine Mayhem Film Festival features student films

BANGOR, Maine (WABI) - Eight Film students from Southern Maine Community College had their films screened at Bangor Arts Exchange Sunday.

“Each year we get essentially a screener of student films. It’s usually about half a dozen student films and you never know what you’re going to get which makes it I think, very exciting. These students have to pitch in front of a group that accepts their proposals and then they are allowed to make these films. They’re usually short films anywhere from like five to 10-minute films,” said Bangor Arts Exchange’s Managing Director, Joshua Gass.

“So, the movie that I wrote and directed was called ‘Served’, and it’s about a family dinner of a boyfriend meeting his girlfriend’s parents for the first time and he kind of runs into some trouble having to lie about his job to the father. A disapproving older brother character comes into play. It’s largely focused around what I enjoy, awkward comedy,” stated film student Parker Marley, who was featured in the festival.

The Annual Maine Mayhem Film Festival brings in unique works from each student and hosts a wide variety of genres.

“We’ve had documentary, we’ve had music videos, we’ve had short narrative fiction. So, it’s extremely interesting to see all the different types of films that come in and I think the mayhem about it is that you just really truly never know what you’re gonna get,” added Gass.

“There’s this great atmosphere of appreciation for the smaller films and seeing who aren’t yet industry professionals find their creative voice and hopefully, mold that into something better down the line,” said Marley.

This event and similar festivals also serve as a networking opportunity for emerging filmmakers.

“You can find a new voice, a new partner, a new contributor, a new collaborator, around any corner. People love arts and creating, and I don’t think everyone understands that it’s not all Hollywood and New York. You can look in your backyard, find someone with a video camera, they have a movie idea in their head, and it just take some hands-on board to get it working,” added Marley.

Each and every film is a top-notch production with a Maine connection that just can’t be found in blockbusters.

“They’re really put through the wringer. They’re challenged to go through a process of filmmaking that is very similar to what you would go through if you had to make a larger film. So, it’s a really valuable experience for young filmmakers in the state of Maine and quite frankly, I’m not sure of any other program that’s anything like it in the state. It’s very unique in that way,” explained Gass.

“I think that anyone who has an appreciation for film, be it blockbuster, independent, horror, comedy, drama; there’s something for you in a small indie film festival just down the street. Take the chance. Go to these places, say hi. You never know who you’re gonna meet,” concluded Marley

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